Nation-building in Afghanistan: Myth or Reality?

Date: Thursday, April 19, 2012

Time: 19.00

Venue: Gerbeaud Café

Details: Although the NATO mission in Afghanistan has yet to be concluded, its place in history has already been secured. It is officially the United States’ longest war and was the first time that Article 5 of the NATO charter, the collective defense clause was invoked. The scope of the intervention has generated lively debate since its beginning in 2001, with sometimes tension between vigorous counter-terrorism operations and the broader goal of democratization. In an age of financial austerity and following the death of Osama bin-Laden, critics of nation buidling have grown in number.

Are these voices merely reflective of war-weary pessimism or do they represent a prudent reassessment of the prospect of large-scale societal and political change in Afghanistan?

Our panelists from Afghanistan:

Mirwais Rahimzai (Afghan Center for Human Services)

Freshta Kharimi (Da Qanoon Ghushtonky, Afghanistan)

Sadiq Mohibi (Afghan Ministry of Labor)

Razia Arooj (Afghanistan Office, UNESCO)

and

Péter Marton (Corvinus University of Budapest)

Mirwais Janan (International Centre for Democratic Transition)

Moderated by

Máté Tóth (NATO Centre of Excellence for Military Medicine)

This event is open to members of the Common Sense Society. Non-members are welcome to attend for a suggested donation of 2000 HUF (for adults) or 1000 HUF (for students). Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Attendees are kindly asked to arrive in time for the event. Dress code: business causal.